Osteospermum ecklonis (African Daisy)

Seed Treatment:
• Seeds benefit from a short soak in warm water (4–6 hours) before sowing.
Do not expose seeds to strong light during germination — they prefer darkness or minimal light to sprout.

When to Sow:
Indoors: Start seeds 6–8 weeks before your last frost date.
Outdoors: Sow in spring after the danger of frost has passed in warmer climates.

Sowing Instructions:
• Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm) deep in seed-starting mix.
• Gently cover with soil — these seeds prefer some darkness to germinate.
• Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy.
• Maintain temperature around 65–70°F (18–21°C).
• Germination typically takes 7–14 days.

Light Requirements:
• Requires full sun for best flowering performance.
• Tolerates light shade, but blooms may be reduced.

Soil Requirements:
• Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
• pH range: 6.0–7.5.
• Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.

Watering:
• Water regularly to keep soil moist but not saturated.
• Once established, moderately drought-tolerant, but flowering is better with consistent moisture.

Spacing:
• Transplant or thin seedlings to 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart.

Growing Tips:
• Produces vibrant daisy-like flowers.
• Ideal for flower beds, containers, edging, and pollinator gardens.
• Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming season.
• Grown as a tender perennial in USDA Zones 9–11, and as an annual in cooler zones.
• May self-seed in favorable conditions.